“Shortly after the birth of our child Immie, Phil took me to Salcombe for the night,’” says Olivia of the couple’s memorable first trip together as parents. “As it was my first night on the wine, I got a little drunk, so Phil’s original plan to propose over a romantic dinner didn’t happen! Instead, when I woke in the morning he got down on one knee beside the bed and popped the question,” she smiles.
New wedding venue Welbeck Manor Hotel and Golf was the setting for their elegantly styled wedding, which took a simple yet striking colour scheme of sage green and white. A stunning mix of white roses, eucalyptus and gypsophila formed the basis of the floristry, while the tablescapes were beautifully pared-back with a single white rose in a vase with a hint of greenery and a scattering of gypsophila throughout.
The dress code was equally as chic. Olivia donned a gorgeous strapless gown with a beaded bodice while Phillip was the epitome of modern suave with a navy three-piece suit, tan brogues, sage green tie and white rose buttonhole.
“Getting ready with the girls, and walking down the aisle”, are cited as Olivia’s fondest memories from the day, made all the more poignant by the soundtrack of her grand entrance and aisle walk by singer, Angel Flukes.
After the ceremony, guests gathered on the decking for cocktails and canapés of mango cups, Thai shrimp and spring rolls as Angel continued to deliver her sultry vocals ahead of the wedding breakfast.
Spicy starters of tom yum soup, coconut shrimps and red pork noodles primed appetites for mains of cod fillet, pad Thai chicken and red curry vegetables served with pineapple fried rice. The speeches were served in-between courses, after which an evening of dancing continued well into the early hours, leaving Olivia and Phillip exhausted but elated, and full of reflection upon their day.
“Keep it simple,” says Olivia when asked what her best piece of advice would be to other couples in the planning throes. “Don't do the day to impress anyone but yourselves, and enjoy every moment as it goes by so quickly.”
Photography Melanie Barnfield Photography melaniebarnfieldphotography.com
Venue Welbeck Manor Hotel and Golf welbeckmanorandgolf.co.uk
Dress Abella Bridal Boutique abellabridal.co.uk
Hair Therapy Hair Boutique teamtherapy.co.uk
Make-up Victoria Ansell
Bridesmaids' dresses Ever Pretty ever-pretty.co.uk
Grooms' outfit Suits Plus suitsplusbristol.com
Flowers Emma Brinsdon Florist emmabrinsdenflorist.co.uk
Cake Cakes by Kate cakesbykateuk.com
Entertainment Angel Flukes instagram.com/angelflukes